Posted on
July 10, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
How Much Should You Budget for Home Maintenance?
If you own a car, you know there’s more to the cost-of-ownership than just
finance payments and gas. You also need to budget for maintenance and
repairs. If your car is older, those costs are going to be higher. That’s just
common sense.
The same is true of your home. It’s wise to budget for anticipated repairs
and maintenance. Otherwise, you might be caught by surprise when you
find that your furnace stops working and needs to be replaced. That can
easily be a four-figure expense.
Experts recommend that you set aside 1% of the value of your home for
repairs and maintenance. For a $500,000 property, for example, that would
be $5,000. That is, of course, merely a rule of thumb. If your home is older,
you may need to budget more.
Another recommended method is to budget $1 a square foot. If you have a
2,500 square foot home, that would be a budget of $2,500. Again, that
number would need to be higher for older properties.
When budgeting, consider things that are getting old and will likely need to
be replaced within the next three years. Examples include roof shingles,
furnace, A/C unit, deck, fence, plumbing, and windows. Depending on the
size and model, a new A/C unit will cost at least $5,000. Anticipating that
expense will help you plan accordingly and avoid the shock of an
unpleasant and costly surprise.
Keep in mind that budgeting $2,000 for repairs and maintenance doesn’t
mean you’ll actually spend that money this year. But, if needed, the budget
will be there, and that’s peace-of-mind.
Posted on
June 21, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Will the neighbourhood go up in value?
When you purchase a home, you’re hoping it will continually go up in value
— just like a good investment.
However, there’s something else that you want to see go up in value as
well: the neighbourhood. In fact, the neighbourhood plays a key role in what
the home will be worth in years to come. If the neighbourhood goes down in
terms of desirability, so will the market value of the home.
That’s why, when shopping for a new home, it’s important to get a feel for
the value of the neighbourhood, and whether or not it’s on the upswing.
How do you do that? One way is to simply take a walk. Look at the
properties. Are they well maintained? Is the landscaping groomed and
attractive? Those are signs of “pride of ownership” — a clear indication that
owners value their homes and the neighbourhood.
Another way is to do some research. Has crime gone up in the
neighbourhood? Are there improvements planned, such as new parks? Is
the neighbourhood attracting the kind of people you want as neighbours?
How does the neighbourhood school rank?
Some of this information may be difficult to get on your own. A good
REALTOR® can help you. Call today.
Posted on
June 21, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Should You Sell First and Buy Later? Or Vice-Versa?
When you’re thinking of selling your home and buying another, you face the
inevitable question: Should I list my property first or buy my new home first?
Let’s take a look at both options.
If you attempt to buy a property before listing your home, you run into a
couple of challenges.
First, sellers may not take you seriously as a potential buyer. After all, you
haven’t put your own home up for sale. As far as they’re concerned, you
might merely be testing the market.
Second, your property might not sell as quickly as you thought it would. If
there is an early closing date on the home you purchased, you might end up
owning, and paying a mortgage on both properties, at least until your home
sells.
If, on the other hand, you list your property before buying a new home,
sellers will know you’re serious. That puts you in a competitive position in
the event of multiple offers.
Also, if your home sells quickly, you’ll have the peace-of-mind of knowing
exactly how much of a new home you can afford. You’ll be able to shop with
confidence.
Of course, like the first option, there is a chance that the closing dates won’t
match and you’ll end up owning two properties for a period of time.
However, solutions such as bridge financing are available to help.
So, there is no perfect answer. A lot depends on the state of the local
market.
Looking for a good REALTOR® who can help you decide which is the best
move for you? Call today.
Posted on
May 30, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Will the neighbourhood go up in value?
When you purchase a home, you’re hoping it will continually go up in value
— just like a good investment.
However, there’s something else that you want to see go up in value as
well: the neighbourhood. In fact, the neighbourhood plays a key role in what
the home will be worth in years to come. If the neighbourhood goes down in
terms of desirability, so will the market value of the home.
That’s why, when shopping for a new home, it’s important to get a feel for
the value of the neighbourhood, and whether or not it’s on the upswing.
How do you do that? One way is to simply take a walk. Look at the
properties. Are they well maintained? Is the landscaping groomed and
attractive? Those are signs of “pride of ownership” — a clear indication that
owners value their homes and the neighbourhood.
Another way is to do some research. Has crime gone up in the
neighbourhood? Are there improvements planned, such as new parks? Is
the neighbourhood attracting the kind of people you want as neighbours?
How does the neighbourhood school rank?
Some of this information may be difficult to get on your own. A good
REALTOR® can help you. Call today.
Posted on
May 3, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Upgrades That Hold Their Value: Do you have a renovation project in mind – and wonder how much value it
will add to your home? Remodeling Magazine recently did a study of
renovation projects, comparing costs to added value. Here are some of the
results:
Replacing a main entry door has a return on investment of over 95%. After
all, the entrance to a home is one of the first things a prospective buyer
notices.
Adding a new deck also adds a lot of value. Depending on the materials
used, you can expect to get back three-quarters of the money invested.
Another high-payback project is the garage door. This once again
demonstrates the importance of a home’s “curb appeal.”
If you’re tackling a big project, such as a basement renovation, you’ll be
glad to know that, according to the study, a project like this adds a lot of
value.
Finally, minor improvements to bathrooms and kitchens – such as adding
new countertops or cupboards, can also be good investments that mostly
pay back when you sell your home.
Of course, these figures are averages and can vary widely depending on
location, type of property, and other factors.
Need help determining how a particular home improvement might impact
the selling price? Call today
Posted on
May 3, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
“Closing Day” Terminology:
You Need To Know
Closing day is an exciting time. After all, you’re moving into your new home!
However, it can be stressful as well. The last thing you need is to be
confronted with something you don’t understand. So here is a quick list of
common “closing day” terms.
• Disbursements. This is the allocation of funds to the appropriate
parties, such as the seller. Your lawyer will take care of this for you.
• Possession. This is the moment on closing day when you are legally
able to take possession of your new home. It’s usually when your
REALTOR® or lawyer hands you the keys.
• Title. This is a legal document that identifies the property and its owner.
• Closing costs. These are expenses, excluding the selling cost of the
property, that are due on closing day, such as legal fees, reimbursement
for pre-paid utilities, utility deposits, insurance, and taxes.
• Closing adjustments. These are expenses pre-paid by the seller that
need to be reimbursed on closing.
There may be other terms you come across on closing day as well.
Don’t worry, a good REALTOR® can help make the day go smoothly
for you and your family.
Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today.
Posted on
April 13, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
How to Help Sell Your Home Quickly
Usually when you list your home, you would prefer to sell it quickly. It’s like
being the first one served at a crowded ice cream parlour. It’s satisfying.
However, sometimes there’s more to it than that. There may be a truly
urgent reason why you need to find a buyer for your property as soon as
possible, such as a sudden job relocation.
If that’s the case, it’s important to explain your situation to your REALTOR®,
who will be able to put together an action plan for selling your home quickly
and for the best price possible.
During that conversation, ask what you can do to help the process along.
For example, you may be able to:
• Spread the word to your friends and other connections on Facebook.
• Canvass your neighbours and tell them about your listing.
• Stage your home so that it’s more attractive to prospective buyers.
When it comes to price, be prepared to be flexible. That doesn’t mean you
must settle for a price far below your home’s market value. However, you do
need to be prepared to accept a good offer rather than try to hold out for a
great one.
Also be open to as many viewings and open houses as possible. Having
many prospective buyers come through your home within a short period of
time may be a little inconvenient, but the payoff might be an offer!
Finally, work with your REALTOR®. A good REALTOR® will know the local
market well and have many ideas for selling your property fast.
Looking for a good REALTOR® like that? Call today.
Posted on
April 7, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Easy-to Miss Home Security Tips for Your Vacation :
If you’re relaxing on a Caribbean beach, or enjoying a bus tour through
historic Paris, the last thing you want to worry about is your home. Most
people know the basics of keeping a home secure while away. Here are
some additional tips that are easy to miss:
• Tell your kids not to boast about your fabulous vacation plans,
especially on social media. The fewer who know that the house will
be empty, the better.
• Ask a neighbour to pick up any mail and flyers dropped at your
doorstep. But don’t rely on that alone. Also call the newspaper and
post office to temporarily halt delivery.
• You can buy timers to automatically turn lights on and off. However,
most will stop working if the power goes out and restart with the
incorrect time when the power comes back on. That’s why you
should keep at least a couple of lights turned on continuously, and
not connected to timers.
• If you’re leaving in the evening, or before dawn, don’t forget to open
the blinds.
Closed blinds during the day are a dead giveaway that the
owners are away.
Finally, experts recommend creating a home security checklist, so you don’t
forget anything. That will give you peace-of-mind.
Posted on
March 20, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
|
Do you sometimes review the real estate ads in your local paper? Do you drive by an open house sign and feel the urge to stop and check it out? Those are common indications that, at least on some level, you’re thinking about the possibility of making a move.
But how do you decide if you should actually move?
The first step is to consider whether there are any practical reasons to consider buying a new home. What’s pushing you in that direction?
- Is your current home too small for your needs?
- Is the commute to work, for you or your spouse, too long? (Perhaps longer than you expected when you purchased the home?)
- Are there property features you would now like to have, such as a larger backyard or a more spacious kitchen?
- Has the neighbourhood changed in an undesirable way?
- Do you have personal reasons for wanting to move, such as a desire to be closer to relatives in another area?
Carefully consider those things that can’t change unless you move. For example, if a major highway was recently built near you, the ongoing sound of traffic isn’t going to go away. It’s now part of the neighbourhood.
If there are no practical reasons for moving, there may still be other reasons for wanting a new home. You may want to move your family to a better neighbourhood, with better schools or you may simply want a bigger home, with a larger backyard, more rooms, and a wider driveway.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with simply wanting a better place than the one you have now. In fact, that is a common reason why many people make a move.
The point is, if you’ve been thinking about a new home for a while, perhaps now is the time to take the next step. A good REALTOR® can help you understand your options.
Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today.
|
Posted on
March 10, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
consider these tips:
• Bathrooms are an obvious source of moisture build-up. Contractor
and TV personality Mike Holmes recommends keeping the fan going
for at least a half hour after a shower.
• Check regularly for water infiltration around window and door sills, as
well as other intakes into the home, such as dryer vents and cable
wiring.
• Determine the humidity level in your home. According to the
Environmental Protection Agency, it should be 30-60%. (Keep in
mind that humidity may vary greatly from room to room.)
• Regularly inspect caulking around sinks, tubs and showers. Even a
tiny break can cause water to leak gradually into the wall or floor,
causing damage you may not notice for months.
• Clean up wet spills as soon as possible. On hardwood floors
especially, water can seep through and become trapped.
• Repair leaking faucets, toilets and pipes immediately. A drip can
quickly become a shower.
Being mindful of moisture today can help you avoid potentially high repair
bills later on.
Avoiding moisture problems in the home:
There are many hidden sources of moisture in your home that can lead to
serious problems, such as mould. To keep moisture levels in check,
consider these tips:
• Bathrooms are an obvious source of moisture build-up. Contractor and TV personality Mike Holmes recommends keeping the fan going for at least a half hour after a shower.• Check regularly for water infiltration around window and door sills, as well as other intakes into the home, such as dryer vents and cable wiring.• Determine the humidity level in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it should be 30-60%. (Keep in mind that humidity may vary greatly from room to room.)• Regularly inspect caulking around sinks, tubs and showers. Even a tiny break can cause water to leak gradually into the wall or floor,causing damage you may not notice for months.• Clean up wet spills as soon as possible. On hardwood floors especially, water can seep through and become trapped.• Repair leaking faucets, toilets and pipes immediately. A drip canquickly become a shower. Being mindful of moisture today can help you avoid potentially high repair bills later on.
Posted on
March 5, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
How Much of a New Home Can You Afford?
If you’re thinking of shopping for a new home, one of the first considerations
is price range. You want to know what you can reasonably afford.
How do you figure that out?
First of all, you need to determine the initial out-of-pocket costs you will
need to cover. There are often more costs associated with purchasing a
home than its actual price. You need to take into account such additional
expenses as moving costs, legal fees, and a home inspection, not to
mention the costs of prepping your current property for sale.
Experts say you should budget 5-10% above the purchase price for these
items. So if you can afford to spend $470K on a new home, you should be
shopping in the $425-445K range.
Another factor to consider are the potential proceeds from the sale of your
current home. Your REALTOR® can help you determine how much your
property will likely sell for in today’s market. Any existing mortgage will need
to be subtracted from that amount to determine how much cash will be left.
Of course, you should speak to a mortgage broker or lender who can
compute how much of a mortgage you qualify for. Remember, qualifying for
a big mortgage doesn’t necessarily mean you should have one. You also
need to consider your personal finances and desired lifestyle – and whether
or not having a large mortgage is a good idea for you.
Once you have gathered all of your information, you can add any potential
sale proceeds to the amount of mortgage you qualify for, add other sources
of cash available for this purpose and subtract 5-10% for initial expenses,
and you’ll have an idea of the price range you should be considering.
Finally, it’s important to take the time to decide what kind of home you want.
Do you want a large backyard with trees? A quiet, family-oriented
neighbourhood? Four bedrooms and a finished basement? Once you
decide what you want most in a new home, it becomes much easier to find
one that’s in your price range.
Posted on
February 26, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Clean up Tips for Balconies and Patios
Spring is a great time to repair or
restore outdoor surfaces and furniture
from damage caused by rust, rot, bird
droppings, mould, mildew, etc. Not only
does deterioration look unsightly, it can also
be unhealthy and dangerous. For example,
algae, mould and lichens can trigger
allergies, and make wood surfaces, decks,
patios and balconies very slippery. You
can clean them with a chemical agent (but
always test first) or scrub them with a brush
and a homemade environmentally friendly
solution made of vinegar or lemon juice. To
clean vinyl furniture, try a mild detergent/water formula. For metal furniture and
railings, use a wire brush to remove rust
and paint chips, then coat with a primer
before touching up with rust paint.
Posted on
February 19, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Deciding on the discretionary move:
Sometimes we don't have much choice about selling our home and buying
another. Circumstances, such as a job relocation, may have made that
choice for us.
However, most often the decision to move is discretionary. Sometimes
people move simply because they think it's a good idea. They feel that
"now" is the right time to find their next dream home.
So how do you make that kind of decision?
There are, of course, many reasons to make a discretionary move. Usually,
those reasons fall into one of two categories: need and want.
You may need to find a new home, for example, because you've outgrown
your current property. Perhaps you have a growing family and require more
space. Maybe you're doing more entertaining and need a larger backyard
with a more spacious deck. It could be that the commute to work is arduous
and you need to move to a place that's closer.
Those "needs" may motivate you to move, but sometimes a "want" plays an
important role, too.
For example, you may want to live in a quieter neighbourhood or in a newly
built home that requires less maintenance. Maybe you simply want a
change.
If you're thinking of making a move, take a moment to write down a list of
your needs and wants. Seeing them on paper will help make the decision
easier.
Looking for expert help? Call today.
Posted on
February 14, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Many of us don’t give a second thought
to hiring housekeeping, house-sitting, or
dog-walking services and often turn over
our keys to these “strangers” so they can
have easy access to our homes. Have
you ever stopped to consider the risks?
You could be liable if one of these workers
is injured in your home while completing
job duties. Alternatively, your pet could
become injured due to neglectful behaviour
by its sitter. You may even be in a position
where you suspect that something valuable
is missing from your home, but have no
recourse for recovering it or receiving
compensation. To avoid such possibilities,
experts recommend that homeowners
hire such services from a professional,
registered business, that can verify the
extent of its liability coverage, either through
the company’s insurance policy or in
accordance with an agreed-upon contract
that relieves you of certain liabilities. At the
very least, ask that your hire is bonded to
protect you, and check with your home
insurance policy to ensure that you are
protected as well.
Posted on
February 4, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Types of lighting for the home, You probably don't think buying a lighting fixture for a room is all that
complicated. It isn't. However, it does require you to consider which types of
lighting you may need. According to the Lighting Association, there are
three types:
1. General lighting. By far the most common, this is the type of lighting
that is designed to create a functional brightness that spreads
throughout a room. A good example is a main ceiling light.
2. Task lighting. As the name implies, this type provides extra light
needed for a specific task, such as working at a desk or chopping
onions on a kitchen countertop. A bedside lamp used for reading is
another example of task lighting.
3. Accent lighting. This type is designed to set off a particular feature
of a room, such as a painting. It creates some practical light, but its
main purpose is to add to the overall decor.
When choosing lighting for a room, it's important to consider these three
types. First, decide how best to light the space generally. Then think about
any special lighting you might need for specific functions, such as reading.
Finally, consider how accent lighting might add to the overall look.
Posted on
February 4, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Deciding on the discretionary move: Sometimes we don't have much choice about selling our home and buying
another. Circumstances, such as a job relocation, may have made that
choice for us.
However, most often the decision to move is discretionary. Sometimes
people move simply because they think it's a good idea. They feel that
"now" is the right time to find their next dream home.
So how do you make that kind of decision?
There are, of course, many reasons to make a discretionary move. Usually,
those reasons fall into one of two categories: need and want.
You may need to find a new home, for example, because you've out grown
your current property. Perhaps you have a growing family and require more
space. Maybe you're doing more entertaining and need a larger backyard
with a more spacious deck. It could be that the commute to work is arduous
and you need to move to a place that's closer.
Those "needs" may motivate you to move, but sometimes a "want" plays an
important role, too.
For example, you may want to live in a quieter neighbourhood or in a newly
built home that requires less maintenance. Maybe you simply want a
change.
If you're thinking of making a move, take a moment to write down a list of
your needs and wants. Seeing them on paper will help make the decision
easier.
Looking for expert help? Call today.
Posted on
January 21, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
One of the best things you can do to ensure you get the home you want is to arrange for financing before you go shopping. This is often referred to as getting “pre-approved”.
Getting pre-approved simply means that your lender has calculated how much of a mortgage they’re willing to offer you, depending on your down payment and current financial situation.
There are two advantages to having a pre-approved mortgage. First, you know exactly what you can afford when shopping for a new home. Second, when you make an offer, you’re likely to be taken more seriously.
Posted on
January 8, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Avoiding unwelcome guests
There are unwelcome guests that most homeowners dread. They come into
your house, eat, sleep, make a mess, and never leave willingly. Each one
has at least six legs and sometimes flies.
They are, of course, insects. They’ve been freeloading in homes since
homes were invented. Here are some practical ways to keep these
unwelcome guests out:
• Find out how they got in. Look for gaps around windows and doors,
and cracks in the basement. If you find a spider web, there's likely an
insect entryway nearby.
• Watch out for standing water near the foundation of your home. Make
sure rain gutters drain water well away.
• Eliminate clutter. Insects love warm, cluttered, moist areas.
• Check the seal around dryer vents and other vents, pipes and cable
wires going through the wall. Reseal if necessary.
• Rinse recyclables before putting them into a bag or bin. Few things
are more tempting to a bug than the dark, moist, sweet insides of an
un-rinsed pop can.
If you do end up with a serious insect problem, call a professional
exterminator.
Avoiding unwelcome guests: There are unwelcome guests that most homeowners dread. They come into your house, eat, sleep, make a mess, and never leave willingly. Each one has at least six legs and sometimes flies.They are, of course, insects. They’ve been free loading in homes since homes were invented. Here are some practical ways to keep these unwelcome guests out:• Find out how they got in. Look for gaps around windows and doors,and cracks in the basement. If you find a spider web, there's likely an insect entry way nearby.• Watch out for standing water near the foundation of your home. Makesure rain gutters drain water well away.• Eliminate clutter. Insects love warm, cluttered, moist areas.• Check the seal around dryer vents and other vents, pipes and cable wires going through the wall. Reseal if necessary.• Rinse recyclables before putting them into a bag or bin. Few things are more tempting to a bug than the dark, moist, sweet insides of a nun-rinsed pop can. If you do end up with a serious insect problem, call a professional exterminator.
Posted on
January 4, 2015
by
Mike Nielsen
Your home at a glance
Have you ever driven up to a restaurant and your first impression was
disappointing? Perhaps the windows looked dark and gloomy, the façade
was worn and unattractive or for some other reason it just didn't look like a
tempting place to eat.
It could still be a fantastic restaurant – a real gem. But, your first impression
has soured your anticipation. If you still walk through the front door, it will
likely be with the expectation of being disappointed.
This scenario often plays out in the real estate market as well.
A buyer drives up to a home for sale and quickly forms an impression based
on what he sees "from the curb". That's why you'll hear real estate experts
talk about the importance of "curb appeal". It's one of the most important
selling points of a property.
If you plan to put your home on the market, you obviously want your home
to look as attractive as possible from the street. Fortunately, there are many
simple things you can do to improve curb appeal.
For example, you can trim shrubs and hedges, plant flowers, clean the
walkway and driveway, paint the front door and garage door, and clean the
exteriors of the windows. All these projects are relatively easy and
inexpensive. Yet, each can make a dramatic improvement to how your
home looks at first glance.
Don't be like the great restaurant that’s hidden behind an unkept façade.
Make sure your curb appeal reflects the overall value of your property.
Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?
Call today.
Have you ever driven up to a restaurant and your first impression was disappointing? Perhaps the windows looked dark and gloomy, the façade was worn and unattractive or for some other reason it just didn't look like atempting place to eat. It could still be a fantastic restaurant – a real gem. But, your first impression has soured your anticipation. If you still walk through the front door, it will likely be with the expectation of being disappointed.This scenario often plays out in the real estate market as well.A buyer drives up to a home for sale and quickly forms an impression based on what he sees "from the curb". That's why you'll hear real estate experts talk about the importance of "curb appeal". It's one of the most important selling points of a property.If you plan to put your home on the market, you obviously want your home to look as attractive as possible from the street. Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to improve curb appeal.For example, you can trim shrubs and hedges, plant flowers, clean the walkway and driveway, paint the front door and garage door, and clean the exteriors of the windows. All these projects are relatively easy and inexpensive. Yet, each can make a dramatic improvement to how your home looks at first glance.Don't be like the great restaurant that’s hidden behind an unkept façade.Make sure your curb appeal reflects the overall value of your property.Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?Call today.
Posted on
December 14, 2014
by
Mike Nielsen
Being Safe about Chemicals in Your Home
You would have to visit your local pharmacy or science lab to rival the
number of potentially dangerous chemicals in the average home. You likely
store everything from fertilizers and acidic cleaners to gasoline and
corrosive drain openers.
Obviously, it makes sense to ensure that everyone in your home uses and
stores such items safely.
For example, laundry detergent packs – which have become popular
recently – are attractive to children. Keep them locked and out of sight. You
should do the same with all laundry products. Even exposure to fabric
softener pads can cause skin irritation to a child.
Always read and follow the labels on household chemical products. Use and
store them as directed.
Keep corrosives, such as harsh cleaners and drain openers, separate from
other chemicals and in a place where, should they leak, they will cause
minimal or no damage.
Also, never put a chemical in anything other than its original container. You
don’t want to take the chance that paint thinner stored in an old water bottle,
for example, is mistaken for water!
Finally, make sure you have the phone number to your local Poison Control
Center in a handy place, such as your fridge door. (You can find a list of
numbers at www.CAPCC.ca in Canada and www.AAPCC.org in the U.S.)
Being Safe about Chemicals in Your Home You would have to visit your local pharmacy or science lab to rival the number of potentially dangerous chemicals in the average home. You likely store everything from fertilizers and acidic cleaners to gasoline and corrosive drain openers.Obviously, it makes sense to ensure that everyone in your home uses and stores such items safely.For example, laundry detergent packs – which have become popular recently – are attractive to children. Keep them locked and out of sight. You should do the same with all laundry products. Even exposure to fabric softener pads can cause skin irritation to a child.Always read and follow the labels on household chemical products. Use and store them as directed.Keep corrosives, such as harsh cleaners and drain openers, separate from other chemicals and in a place where, should they leak, they will cause minimal or no damage.Also, never put a chemical in anything other than its original container. You don’t want to take the chance that paint thinner stored in an old water bottle,for example, is mistaken for water!Finally, make sure you have the phone number to your local Poison Control Center in a handy place, such as your fridge door. (You can find a list ofnumbers at www.CAPCC.ca in Canada and www.AAPCC.org in the U.S.)
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